Holiday apartment in Ariccia: Culture, Views and Porchetta

Ariccia between urban culture and countryside

Ariccia is a destination for travellers seeking a compact mix of urban culture, parkland, views and regional cuisine. Piazza della Repubblica, formerly Piazza di Corte, is considered the elegant heart of the town and the starting point for exploring it. When choosing a holiday apartment in Ariccia, you can therefore consider whether cultural spaces, natural scenery, views or regional specialities should set the pace of your stay.

Palazzo Chigi and Piazza di Corte

Palazzo Chigi combines several historical layers: it was remodelled as an architectural hybrid of palace, castle and villa, and preserves paintings, sculptures and furnishings dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Collegiata dell’Assunta was part of the redesign of Piazza di Corte commissioned by Alessandro VII. The Locanda Martorelli, a historic building that was a stop on the Grand Tour of Italy in the 19th century, also stands on this piazza.

Parco Chigi and Santuario di Galloro

The Uccelliera in Parco Chigi was built around 1628 by the Savelli family on a Roman quarry and was later transformed by the Chigi family into a picturesque ruin in a garden. Parco Chigi embodies the historical concepts of a sacred grove and a walled hunting park.

The Santuario di Galloro also leads into Ariccia’s history: construction began in 1624 after an image of the Virgin Mary was found in the area surrounding the town. Gian Lorenzo Bernini remodelled the sanctuary; the façade and the interior dome decorations are also attributed to him. Since 2000, the Concerti dell’Accademia degli Sfaccendati have been held at Palazzo Chigi.

Ponte Monumentale and Belvedere

The Ponte Monumentale was built between 1847 and 1854 under Pope Pius IX, based on a design by the architect Ireneo Aleandri. It is 312 metres long and 59 metres high, replacing the steep ramps of the old Via Appia. From Ariccia’s historic centre, you can reach a belvedere, a viewing terrace overlooking the landscape of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Castelli Romani. Free parking is available beneath the Ponte Monumentale; the Funicolare di Ariccia connects Parcheggio Bernini with the historic centre and Palazzo Chigi.

Porchetta as part of the town’s character

The local cuisine includes Porchetta di Ariccia: since 2011, it has held the status of a protected geographical indication (IGP) and is seasoned with rosemary, garlic and black pepper. The Sagra della Porchetta was established in 1950 and takes place every year on the first Sunday in September. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ariccia for a food-focused stay, this aspect is just as much a part of your planning as choosing between culture, parkland and views.

Further places for planning your trip

You can discover further destinations via the following places: Vitinia, La Massimina-casal Lumbroso, Mazzano Romano, Settecamini, Maccarese, Montelibretti, Ardea and Castel Gandolfo.

For the broader travel overview: Rome.